Asa Pinnell

Asa was born on the family homestead near Greenville, Missouri. He left records that stated he was the best educated member of the family though he had little formal education. He served as Supt. of Schools of Crawford County and is credited with organizing the public school system of the county. He was appointed by Gov. Alexander McNair as first county judge, 1/29/1829 and served in this capacity for many years. When elective judges were chosen, in the election in the late 1830's he was chosen as president of the courts. One instance of his judgments was the trial of James Wilson, charged with horse stealing. One of Asa's kinsman, Henry Pinnell, had made bond for the culprit. Wilson was fined $1.00 and costs. During the same month, another man was charged with stealing a pair of shoes and Asa gave him 30 days hard labor. Apparently shoes were more valuable than horses in those days. Judge Asa was very lenient with white offenders but extremely hard on law breakers who were negro slaves and he absolutely refused to try an Indian. These he had tried by the U.S. Army at Jefferson Barracks. Indian law breakers were quite common especially with crimes of stealing & murder. Asa's belief was to kill them on the spot or, if that could not be done, turn them over to the army. After his brother was murdered by Indians, Judge Asa was very bitter against them.